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I've seen those on eBay but the last time I looked they were $700! Looks great!

Multivolt 7 1/4 inch circular saw. Very smooth running and high quality. I've never owned a cordless circular saw so I can't comment on much else. Specs say the cut depth is 62mm. It feels sturdy and the silent mode is a lot less noise. The motor seems compact compared to others. A Multivolt version of the 165mm 18V deep cut saw is out there apparently (NZ), and that saw does 66mm cut depth.

Hikoki 36V 7 1/4 inch circular saw.

One is the 18V version I got a few months ago. I should have posted a photo of the 36V only but I forgot to take one. It's practically still brand new/hardly used. They look very similar, especially the grips.

The reciprocating saw has arrived. I haven't used it yet but it feels very smooth and very powerful! The vibration control seems to be doing a great job, just holding it in hand shows it has MUCH less vibration than the 18V version. The 18V is supposed to be a low vibration saw, but I have doubts it actually is compared to most. My previous 18V brushed Metabo had less. The 36V is also noticeably heavier and louder than the 18V but not much bigger overall. The trigger is very smooth easy to pull (like all the Hitachi triggers I've used). The LED can be toggled to remain on at all times.

Hikoki 36V multivolt reciprocating saw.

I totally agree with this. I only ended up buying a couple of MV tools because they each came with a free Multivolt battery (during the boxing day sales here in Australia). Otherwise way too expensive. The MV reciprocating saw is $399 AUD and the circular saw is $385 AUD (tools only). Chuck in a free battery worth $179 AUD and it becomes great value though!

I've ordered the reciprocating saw and 185mm circular saw. They should be arriving next week. On paper the Multivolt tools look outstanding. I'm looking forward to seeing them compared with Makita X2 and Flexvolt.

It looks like the Kiwis are getting a Multivolt version of the 165mm deep cut circular saw: https://www.hikoki.co.nz/shop/36v-multi-volt/36v-brushless-165mm-circular-saw-bare-tool/

Sydney tools have extended their sale for today. Some items have sold out. They also give $105 store credit if you spend $500 or more. This credit amount is even higher if you spend more. I've ordered a couple of Hikoki skins to receive 2 free Multivolt batteries. It's a great deal considering they sell for $179 AUD each.

The major online tool stores in Australia have some great boxing day offers. Sydney tools are giving a free 5ah Hikoki multivolt battery with various multivolt skins. They also have a similar offer for Dewalt (free 4ah battery). Gets tools direct have the Hitachi triple hammer skin for $199. Links below: https://sydneytools.com.au/category/promo https://www.gettoolsdirect.com.au/clearance.html?utm_source=GTD+Newsletter+List&utm_campaign=e247a39263-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_24_01_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8225cb02f6-e247a39263-175627729&mc_cid=e247a39263&mc_eid=ca25d00d1f

I've recently discovered Vessel ball grip (220 series) screwdrivers. Absolutely my favourite now, especially the ratchet version (only the ball turns, not the whole handle, and the shaft from below the grey ratchet switch can be removed to use it as a stubby ratchet with 1/4 inch hex bits). All Made in Japan and the Philips is actually JIS. They're great to hold and the ball design allows you to apply a lot of torque when you need it. I suggest trying one out, the P2 is only around $7 USD delivered from Japan on Ebay. I also have Wiha which are my second choice.

I find "the experience" when using hammer drills slightly different. Hammer drills are more front heavy and less balanced. They also have back and forth movement in the chuck, some more than others. The DCD796 has quite a bit of movement, but it's a beast when drilling in hammer mode (for a compact). As far as I know the DCD791 and DCD796 are identical other than the hammer mode. Same chucks etc.

It has 3 x 18650 cells in that battery, so assume the battery is at least 65mm long, probably as long as an 18V battery is wide. It looks compact. Maybe the size of a 12V Jigsaw?

Bosch DDS183 compact drill. I passed on getting one of these a while back and got the Hitachi instead. I found a great deal on the Bosch that I couldn't refuse, so now I have both. First impressions: the Bosch is awesome. It feels more powerful than the Hitachi and is noticeably lighter in weight. Just as ergonomic, smaller, and much quieter as well. Downside: Mine has a wobbly chuck! Damn, this would have been the perfect drill. I hate when this happens. The Hitachi has a perfect chuck, no wobble or run out whatsoever.

This could be Australia only at the moment but here it is anyway: https://www.makita.com.au/products/power-tools/platform/12v-max-mobile/inflator/mp100dz-12v-max-inflator This would be great in the 18V subcompact form!

I put cordless tools in padded postal bags (bubble wrap bags). Then I can throw them in modular tool boxes without getting all scratched up. They're quite heavy duty bags actually. Ideally i'd use foam or dividers but that approach is too expensive.

I noticed this with a new 3ah compact Hitachi. Absolutely terrible run time at first. It's was drilling around 20 holes then the tool would show the battery already empty. Its running great now after 4 or 5 charges. I've only had this happen with this one particular Hitachi battery. I neary threw it away thinking it was faulty!

I'm glad you asked this question @Firefighter1406. This is something I also want to know. I haven't had a lot of time for anything since starting a family, so all of my batteries have been sitting idle for months. I believe some of them might even be unused for 8-9 months. I used to always keep them fully charged but I once read something about the half charge rule so I just started doing that instead. I prefer the full charge as I can always grab a full battery when I need it. That's a good point about the labelling @method. I vaguely recall reading a manual saying something about temperature (it might have been Hitachi) but nothing about storing at certain charge levels. Like you said, there'd probably be something on the battery itself.

I'm also a filer but I use a jig to get the correct angles consistently. I'm just not skilled enough to do a good job without it. I can't remember what it's called, but it basically uses rollers to keep the file moving at the correct angle.

Interesting to see these two compared.

Milwaukee are also significantly more expensive in Australia. I'd say Dewalt are the lowest priced here, followed closely by Makita. Hitachi/Hikoki are almost as bad as Milwaukee. I'd change just to experience something new. New tools, new platform, and Dewalt ergonomics are hard to beat.

It had vibration all the time, even when no bits were used. It must have been faulty. It honestly felt just like using the multitool, or any multitool. I'm a big fan of the trigger style grip Dewalt is using on the multitool, die grinder, and flexvolt grinder. I wish one of their new brushless 18V angle grinders had it (I am aware of the old brushed version).

I used to own the Dewalt 18V die grinder but ended up selling it and getting a 12V Bosch rotary tool. I just needed something smaller. I got mine when they first released. It was $279 AUD from Gettoolsdirect. I agree with the performance, it has plenty of power and the variable speed is great! I really liked it other than the length and safety switch. Very good LED lighting as well. Mine had a fair bit of vibration. It actually had about the same amount as my cordless Dewalt multitool. Maybe something was wrong with it. How's the vibration on yours @method?